Nashville Music Industry Leaders Honored at 2026 SOURCE Hall of Fame

Six women recognized for their lasting impact across the business

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The 23rd annual SOURCE Nashville Hall of Fame will induct six women who have made significant contributions to the city's music industry. The 2026 honorees include leaders in label operations, publishing, radio, social services, and music education, reflecting the deep infrastructure that powers Nashville's growth as the music capital of the world.

Why it matters

The SOURCE Hall of Fame induction ceremony serves as an important recognition of the vital, often unseen work that women have done to guide talent and build the platforms that allow Nashville's creative community to thrive over decades. Highlighting these industry leaders underscores the essential role women play in sustaining the city's music ecosystem.

The details

The 2026 SOURCE Nashville Hall of Fame inductees are: Debbie Cheek Carroll (MusiCares/Belmont University), Paige Conners (AFM Local 257), Cris Lacy (Warner Music Nashville), Margie McGahey (Grand Ole Opry/CMA), Sherry Oakley (BMI), and Carla Wallace (Big Yellow Dog). These honorees represent a wide spectrum of the industry, from label leadership and publishing to radio operations and clinical social work.

  • The 23rd annual SOURCE Nashville Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on August 25, 2026.
  • The event will be held at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville.

The players

SOURCE Nashville

An organization that annually recognizes industry leaders who have made significant, lasting impacts across Nashville's music business.

Debbie Cheek Carroll

A 2026 inductee who has worked with MusiCares and Belmont University.

Paige Conners

A 2026 inductee who is affiliated with AFM Local 257.

Cris Lacy

A 2026 inductee who works at Warner Music Nashville.

Margie McGahey

A 2026 inductee with ties to the Grand Ole Opry and CMA.

Sherry Oakley

A 2026 inductee who works at BMI.

Carla Wallace

A 2026 inductee who is affiliated with Big Yellow Dog.

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The takeaway

The SOURCE Nashville Hall of Fame induction ceremony highlights the essential role women play in sustaining Nashville's music industry, recognizing the often unseen work of leaders across labels, publishing, radio, social services, and education that has powered the city's growth as the music capital of the world.